See Romantic Treatment of Imbalances

Chessorb Classic, Issue #128 -- GOTM #98

Of course you know they were a little more reckless in the Romantic Era. This is the 18th and 19th Centuries and these days were the eve of positional chess. They did not fear a complicated game, a critical position. It's what they lived for.

One of the most critical positions you can ever find yourself in is weighing up the pros and cons of an exchange leading to a material imbalance. Playing with different pieces really tests the understanding and handling skills of both players.

One of the most interesting imbalances comes from Queen sacrifices. Sometimes the Queen is given up for two Rooks or a Rook and a minor piece. Sometimes the price is three minor pieces for a Queen and that can lead to very interesting tussles.

In our game two minor pieces and some other positional factors were acquired for the Queen. This game was played in London, England in 1834. It was played as one of 85 games in a very famous series of six matches contested by Louis Charles Mahe De Labourdonnais and Alexander McDonnell. De Labourdonnais had White and McDonnell had Black.

De Labourdonnais, Louis Charles Mahe - McDonnell, Alexander [D20]

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See you next month.

Ken

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